Public Records Requests

What are Public Records?

Public records include documents in all formats, whether electronic or paper, that relate to government operations or conduct. All of the LGBTQ Commission’s documents are considered public records, and are subject to public review, unless a law specifically exempts certain information from disclosure. The Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW) is the Washington State law that allows you to review government records.

What records are exempt from disclosure?

Exemptions are listed in the Public Records Act, while others are found elsewhere in Washington and Federal law. Many of these exemptions are designed to protect privacy rights and legitimate business interests.

What if I only have a question or want more information about the LGBTQ Commission’s work?

General questions or requests for information are not typically Public Disclosure Requests. The LGBTQ Commission is not required to create new records, collect or analyze information, or conduct legal research under the Public Records Act. Most of the questions related to our work, public meetings, and information on services to our LGBTQ community are publishing in our website. If you have general questions or would like more information about the LGBTQ Commission that you can’t locate from our website, please fill out this contact form.

How do I request a copy of a public document?

The LGBTQ Commission has made it easy for the public to submit a public record request through the form at the end of this section.

You can also submit a written request for public records that includes your name, phone number, email address, mailing address, and a description of the records you are requesting. The request must be for a specific identifiable record or series of records. If you have an approximate date in which the record might have been produced, please specify that to expedite the locating of the record. The more precisely you identify the record you seek, the more efficient and effective we can be in locating and providing the appropriate documents.
 

Submit your written request to:

Public Disclosure Requests

Washington State LGBTQ Commission

PO Box 43113

Olympia, WA 98504-3113

 

When will I receive a response to my public disclosure request?

You will receive a response within five business days. We will respond in one of several ways:

  • Provide the records (or a link to the portion of our website that contains the records).
  • We may request clarification.
  • If the documents are not readily available, we will provide a reasonable estimate of time that it will take us to produce the records.
  • For some large requests, we may have to produce the records on a partial or installment basis. We will also provide the estimated time-frames for each incremental delivery as we work through your request.
  • When legal exemptions apply, we may deny the request in whole or in part, either by withholding the requested records or redacting the documents, including an explanation of the denial.

Is there a fee?

There are no fees for reviewing records in person in our office, or for records that can be downloaded directly from our website. Otherwise, in accordance with RCW 42.56.120(2)(b), (c) and (e), the LGBTQ Commission charges .15¢ per page for copies, and .10¢ per page for scanned documents.